Book: Pocket Guide - International user research

International user research

By Chui Chui Tan

Practical advice on planning and conducting global research: where, how, and what to look for.

About this book

Gone are the days when the products we designed were confined to one national market. In this highly connected world, understanding the subtle differences between people from diverse cultures and backgrounds has become vital in allowing us to optimise our designs to meet the often quite different expectations of users.

There is a preconception that international user research is a daunting task, owing to its inherent uncertainty and complexity. In this book, Chui Chui debunks this myth and provides practical advice on where to start, what to do and what to look for when conducting international research. The book provides invaluable insights into how to optimise business strategies for global markets, and will help you improve your designs by understanding international users better.

Topics include

A summary dispelling the myths of international research, exploring the benefits it can provide, its importance, and how it can improve your designs.

A guide offering three approaches to help group global markets, allowing you to better choose where to conduct your international user research in order to maximise its benefit.

Research methods that you can immediately implement to better understand your international users, taking into account your project budget, timescale, and research objectives.

Practical tips on what to concentrate on when conducting international user research, ensuring you get the most value from each session and don’t waste time, regardless of constraints.

How to bring your research findings together and, most importantly, how to act on them.

About Chui Chui Tan

Chui Chui Tan

Chui Chui has worked in user experience for over ten years.

She currently works for UX design consultancy cxpartners in Bristol, UK, helping clients such as Marriott, Clarks and Nokia to understand their customers in every corner of the world. She is frequently invited to speak on international user research at conferences in Asia, the US, and Europe. Chui Chui is also the UX design editor for Smashing Magazine.

Let's face the truth: today, we live in a world without borders.

Chui Chui Tan